Women with polycystic ovary syndrome seem to have higher risk of heart attack and stroke

A syndrome common in women of reproductive age may place them at greater risk for hardening of the arteries, which predisposes them to heart attack and stroke, according to research published Feb. 15 in the American Journal of Physiology, Endocrinology and Metabolism. "We have shown for the first time at the molecular level that the glucose-stimulated inflammation pathways that promote atherosclerosis and a cardiovascular event are already active at an early age in women with polycystic ovary syndrome," Dr. González said.

"The findings point to an immune abnormality that promotes inflammation and metabolic disturbance. It's all about an inflammatory response that damages the internal surface of blood vessels, which then permits entry of cholesterol," he said.